Accessibility and Use of Public Transport Services by Persons with Disabilities (PWDS) in Ghana

Abstract

Public transport is essential for providing affordable mobility options, particularly for persons with disabilities (PWDs). However, commitment and research into inclusive transport have not been prioritised in developing countries. In Ghana, PWDs experience various forms of discrimination and social exclusion in accessing public transportation, which limits the realisation of their education, health, and socio-economic potential. This study explored the accessibility and use of public transport services by PWDs in Ghana's Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, selected due to the significant concentration of PWDs and the representation of both urban and rural settings, respectively. It aimed to identify the transport options and motivations of PWDs, their coping strategies in using these services, the knowledge of mobility needs among public transport operators and users, and the role of stakeholders in providing accessible transport for PWDs. The Life Course Theory and the Critical Disability Theory were adopted to provide a theoretical framework and guide the study. The philosophical underpinning of the study was Critical Realism, under which a sequential exploratory mixed methods design was adopted. A total of 54 in-depth interviews were conducted, with 42 PWDs from both regions and 12 selected transport and disability stakeholders. Additionally, 400 questionnaire-based surveys were administered evenly to public transport operators and public transport users in the study regions. Observations were also made to capture contextual and behavioural data, supplemented by photographs to support the findings of the study. The study found various public transport services available to PWDs, including Okada, Pragya, traditional taxis, Trotro, high-occupancy buses, and ride-hailing taxis, with their availability and accessibility unevenly distributed across rural and urban areas, significantly influencing PWDs' mobility experiences. Factors influencing transport mode choice include disability type, trip purpose and cost, occupancy status of transport mode, and ergonomics. PWDs employ various coping strategies when using public transport services, including trip planning, techniques for onboarding and disembarking, seeking assistance and support, utilising personal mobility aids, and choosing alternative transport modes based on their specific needs. Women with disabilities were found to receive greater support in coping strategies compared to men, reinforcing the gender-specific differences in their mobility experiences. The majority of public transport users, compared to operators, are relatively knowledgeable regarding the mobility needs of PWDs using public transport services, which influences their perception and behaviour towards PWDs. Socio-demographic factors such as age, education level, and marital status, rather than the sex and employment status of transport operators and users, influence the knowledge level of mobility needs for PWDs. Stakeholders from transport governance, disability governance, and transport service provision play pivotal roles in policy and regulation, although they face implementation challenges. Stakeholders also did not collaborate effectively and coordinate with relevant entities, hampering the provision of inclusive infrastructure and facilities to enhance the mobility needs of PWDs in Ghana. The study recommends heightened sensitisation, advocacy, infrastructure financing, and inclusive policy formulation with its requisite implementation strategies to bridge accessibility gaps and promote equity. Overall, this study underscores the need for improved public transport accessibility for PWDs in Ghana, advocating for targeted efforts in awareness, empowerment, and infrastructure investments to position Ghana as a global leader in inclusive transportation practices in line with SDG 11.2.